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Central Information Commission

Context

The Central Information Commission has powers to constitute benches and frame regulations, the Supreme Court has said while observing that the autonomy of CIC is of paramount importance for its effective functioning.

Central Information Commission:

Objectives:

• To exercise the powers conferred on them under the RTI Act, 2005.
• To receive and investigate complaints from any citizen (as per Section 18 of the RTI Act, 2005).
• To receive and make decisions on the second appeal filed by any citizen (according to Section 19 of the RTI Act, 2005).
• To fulfill the duty of “Monitoring and Reporting” as stated in Section 25 of the RTI Act, 2005.

Composition:

• The CIC comprises a Chief Information Commissioner and up to ten Information Commissioners.

Appointment:

• The President of India appoints members of the CIC on the recommendation of a committee, which includes the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.

Eligibility:

• Members of the CIC and State Information Commissions (SIC) should be individuals of eminence in public life with substantial knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media, or administration and governance.
• They should not be Members of Parliament or Members of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory. Additionally, they should not hold any other office of profit, be associated with any political party, or engage in any business or profession.

Tenure:

• The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners hold office for a term of three years from the date they assume their positions.